In the summer of 2019, with the help of our Clean Foundation youth intern, we planted almost 50 trees, bushes, and perennials. The majority of the trees we have planted are apple trees; we are also growing pear trees, grapes, and several berry and nut bushes. At the north end of the lot will be an Acadian forest zone that includes native species such as oaks, chestnuts, and hawthorn. Spruce Ave also features two raised garden beds; more will be added in future years.
While the orchard is being developed as a means of revenue for Wild Town, it is also our intention to create an example of a sustainable, regenerative food forest in the middle of an urban setting. Once the trees and bushes grow and establish, we plan to construct self-sufficient, ecologically-friendly, off-grid dwellings and outbuildings on the property. The lot is proof that a small monetary investment in seemingly neglected and useless land can result in both monetary and health benefits for developers and community members.
What the lot looked like when we first purchased it. December, 2018.
October 29, 2020.
May 14, 2019, just after our first fruit and nut trees and bushes were planted.
The trees and bushes are marked with red flags.
Our Clean Foundation youth intern, Lauren, helps plant trees and finds some fat worms in the mud.
Nicole leads a foraging tour of the Spruce Ave lot for our 2019 Grow @ Home/Town Grow'r youth participants. July, 2019.
BEC high school student and youth garden apprentice, Kendra, helps plant garlic at Spruce Ave. November, 2019.
November 10, 2019.
Garlic the following summer. July 10, 2020.
Strawberries and chives growing in a raised bed.
Strawberries. July 10, 2020.
One of our newly planted apple trees already blossoming a year after planting. June 9, 2020.
Same tree, now with baby apples.
From blossom, to baby, to full-grown apple. Less than 2 years after planting, this tiny apple tree produced one very delicious apple. August 26, 2020.
An apple grows on the tree the lot came with. July, 2020.
A rain dappled burr oak grows in the Acadian Forest zone at the north end of the lot.
Echinacea, one of the perennials we planted at the lot.
Echinacea. August 26, 2020.
Greens are seeded once the garlic is harvested. October 29, 2020.
